Gorgeous and majestic Madrid in Spain is a city of palatial splendor, ornate monuments, historical landmarks, art, and elegance. It is the capital and cultural hub of the country and a doorway into its illustrious past. Find a local guide in Madrid, here. While we were there, we took side trips to the old city of Toledo, the Valley of the Fallen, and El Escorial. … [Read more...]
Soak in the Romance of Seville, Spain
You can't go to Spain without visiting the seductive city of Seville, known as the "Pearl of Andulusia." The opera Carmen, by George Bizet, takes place there and tours are available to visit some of the opera locations such as the old cigarette factory. Find a local guide in Seville, here. For other photo galleries from our trip to Spain, click on the links … [Read more...]
Granada, Spain, and the Magnificent Alhambra
One of our stops on a 3-week vacation in Spain was to the mystical city of Granada. It's the home of The Alhambra palace and fortress which Moorish poets have described as "a pearl set in Emeralds." It began as a small fortress in 889 AD and was converted into a palace for the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada in the mid-13th century. Its … [Read more...]
Welsh Rarebit Sandwich
Give me cheese, preferably grilled on toast, and I’m a happy camper. There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, but the Welsh have turned it into an art. The Welsh Rarebit sandwich, grilled with tasty Welsh cheese mixed with beer, English mustard, and Worcestershire sauce gives it an extra punch. It’s sometimes called Welsh Rabbit, but don’t worry, no bunnies are … [Read more...]
Enjoy a Slice of Germany in New Ulm, Minnesota
As a Southern Californian, Minnesota wasn’t exactly on my travel bucket list. We don’t hear much about that part of the U.S. here other than it’s an icebox in the winter. But while I was there for a conference, I was both surprised and impressed with Minnesota's immense beauty and down-home hospitality. We took a sidetrip from Minneapolis to the town of New Ulm, a … [Read more...]
